Ellon BC Club Story
It’s been a busy start to the season to BowlsMark Bronze accredited club Ellon BC. The clubs’ committee led by National Volunteer Award winner and Club President Shirley Christie aim to continue to promote the many benefits of our wonderful game by holding events for both their members and the wider Aberdeenshire community.
Grant Campbell got in touch with us to highlight some of the successful events the club has already hosted within their “very busy, but enjoyable” first month of the 2023 bowling season.
Glorious Weather Opens Ellon BC
The Club was opened on Sunday 16th April in superb conditions by President Shirley Christie with her husband Willie throwing the opening bowl and jack. The day involved a social cup of tea and home bakes before a challenge match took place between Shirley and Vice President Craig Dinnes. It was a closely fought affair, but it was Craig’s side who took the spoils by 7 shots. 46 people took part in the open day which we believe to be the most in recent times at Ellon Bowling Club.
Try Bowls Day A Hit with the Young and the New
On Saturday 22nd April, Ellon BC hosted a community Try Bowls event. The event was well advertised on social media, and we were delighted to see a real range of people come down to the club to give the sport of bowls a try. It was really refreshing to see many women come and give it a try as well as the two young lads who stole the show with some smashing bowls! Perhaps we saw a snapshot into the future at Ellon BC? Many thanks to all coaches and volunteers who took time out of their Saturday to give help at this event.
Passing on Hints and Tips: Coaching at Ellon BC
Saturday 29th April was our first coaching event of the season, and we were really pleased to see around 15 people come down to the club to get some tuition from our pool of coaches. It is here we must congratulate Shirley Christie (left), Scott Buchan (centre) and Willie Christie (right) on passing their Level 1 Coaching Course ran by Bowls Scotland in the winter. As well as these Level 1 Coaches, Ellon BC now have six coaches who have at least done the Introduction to Coaching Award showing that there is an appetite to bring in some fresh ideas and impetus into the club.
New Ellon BC members win Invitation Triples
On Sunday 30th April, Ellon BC hosted its annual Invitation Triples event. Despite the rainy conditions, a great day’s bowling was had by all, and we had some very close, competitive matches throughout the day. In the end, the event was won by three newcomers to Ellon BC this season: Daniel Watson (left), Paul Clark (right) and Robert Marshall who skipped the team (centre). Here are the winners celebrated with President Shirley (far right). We have our Super Six Invitation Tournament later in the year which hopefully will be just as competitive and exciting a competition.
Local Primary School Try Bowls
On Thursday 4th May 39 pupils from Ellon Primary School attended a Try Bowls morning at the club. The children from Primary 5 and 6 had a great time, receiving some coaching and playing games. Some of the quotes from the children included “I thought it would be boring but I really enjoyed it” “incredible” and “it’s the best thing I have done this year!”
On hearing of all the activity at the club in the first month of opening Stuart Bell, National Development Officer for the North of Scotland said:
“Ellon BC are a great example of a progressive club willing to open its mind and its doors to local community engagement ensuring any attendees to club events feel comfortable and at ease in the club environment. To do what the club does, requires strong leadership, membership buy-in and support, something that is evidently happening here at Ellon to ensure a positive future for the club.”
Huge thanks go to Grant for sharing Ellon’s club news with us. We are sure there will be more fantastic events to come throughout the season and wish all at Ellon BC the best for 2023.